Published on Jan 13, 2011
Wrong to ban maids from condo pools
MY FAMILY and I live in Sarkies Gardens and recently, I received a letter from the management of the condominium informing us that maids would no longer be allowed to use the swimming pool.
I am dumbfounded by the ban and have come to learn that it is a common practice in Singapore. My husband and I work and we rely heavily on our maid to take care of our children. My helper is their nanny and she takes them to the playground and swimming pool. They are under five years old and cannot play unsupervised.
I have seen Singaporean and expatriate residents ignore pool rules, leave behind rubbish and treat the area with disrespect. My maid has never behaved in this manner. She has never even allowed herself to enjoy the use of the pool without the children. What reason is there for her not to use it with our children?
How can we claim to be a First World society when we discriminate against others because of their job and nationalities? Shouldn't we be a society that recognises, respects and appreciates the work of foreign labourers and domestic helpers?
We should be helping them to strive for more and to be a part of our society. Singapore could not be the country it is today without their help.
Sabina Chang (Ms)
Copyright © 2010 Singapore Press Holdings. All rights reserved.
http://www.straitstimes.com/ST+Forum/Online+Story/STIStory_623365.html
No comments:
Post a Comment